Motor control apparatus



M y 30, 1950 B. ULINSKI 2,510,028

MOTOR CONTROL APPARATUS Filed Nov. 1, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Tic]. l.

INVENTOR ATTORNEY y 0, 1950 B. ULINSKI 2,510,028

MQTOR CONTROL APPARATUS Filed Nov. 1, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR ATTORNEY May 30, 1950 Y B. ULlNSKl MOTOR CONTROL APPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 1 E I'NVENTOR Mg!!!" a Q Q Q g 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 May 30, 1950 B. ULINSKI MOTOR CONTROL APPARATUS Filed Nov. 1, 1945 B. ULINSKI 2,510,028

MOTOR CONTROL APPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 May 30, 1950 Filed Nov. 1, 1945 w P u MM 1 a ATTORNEY May 30, 1950 B. ULINSKI uo'roa CONTROL APPARATUS s Sheets-She et 7 Filed Nov. 1, 1945 INVENTOR d ma flww A'TTORNEY M y 30, 1950 B. ULINSKI 2,510,028

uowoa CONTROL APPARATUS Filed Nov. 1, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 E a Q 9 I A Q i r'" I 1 l L 2 g INVENTOR 64M [1 BY ATTORNEY Patented May 30, 1950 MOTOR CONTROL APPARATUS Bronislaus Ulinski, Chicago, Ill., assignor to The Yale & Townc Manufacturing Company, Stamford, Conn., a corporation of Connecticut Application November 1, 1945, Serial No. 626,118

9 Claims. 1

This invention relates to a motor circuit control adapted particularly for use with the motor of an electric industrial truck. In trucks of this type, it is customary to use an electric motor and to control that electric motor so that it will drive forward and rearward, and preferably in four speeds.

For this purpose controllers and contactors are now used, as those skilled in the art fully appreciate.

In recent years it has become increasingly the preferred design to utilize contactors for operating the heavy duty switches that form part of the motor control system. This use of contactors supersedes the use of controllers having contacts that are part of the actual motor circuit and therefore draw the heavy current of the motor circuit. It has been found that the heavy current will destroy or cause excessive wear of a controller so utilized. Therefore, by utilizing a controller for energizing contactors that in turn effect the opening and closing of the heavy current circuits of the motor, considerable economies may be effected. It is comparatively easy to replace the heavy contact portions of a contactor so that the burning of these contacts does not result in expensive upkeep of the motor control system. On the other hand, the controller, carrying as it does only the light currents that are used for energizing the contactors, does not wear appreciably, and since it is the controller that is quite costly, this lack of wear is a considerable economy factor.

It is the object of my invention to contribute a control system in which a minimum of contactors will be utilized. Thus, through my invention I am able to obtain the forward and reverse control of a traction motor, and four speeds of movement thereof, with a total of but four contactors. As an example, through my invention I obtain forward and reverse control of a motor with but two contactors, while the four speeds of the motor are made possible by the use of two contactors. The scope and value of my invention is quite apparent, therefore.

As a feature of my invention, each of the contactors is adapted to maintain closed a switch when energized, and to maintain closed a second switch when de-energized. More particularly, each contactor comprises an armature that is in bridging relation to a pair of contacts when the contactor is de-energized, the same armature being in bridging relation to a second pair of contacts when the contactor is energized. By controlling the actuation of predetermined combinations of the controllers, and therefore the actuation of predetermined combinations of switches, I can obtain full control of the motor. A feature of the invention resides in the means for energizing predetermined combinations of said contactors.

As a still further feature of my invention, the pair of contactors that control the directional operation of the motor are so arranged that one contactor must be de-energized while the other is energized in order to close a directional circuit. More particularly, this is due to the fact that each directional circuit will be closed through that switch of one contactor that is maintained closed when the contactor is energized and through a switch of the second contactor that is maintained closed when the second contactor is de-energized.

A further feature of the invention resides in the utilization of a directional switch for energizing one Or the other of the two directional contactors. As a more particular feature of this portion of the invention, the directional switch will have in series therewith a pair of parallel switches adapted for closing by the energizing of the contactors. In order to energize the contactors a circuit that is in shunt relation to the parallel switches is closed by the movement of the speed controller to a speed position. Preferably, this speed position corresponds to first speed, and the shunt circuit is broken when the speed controller is in any speedhigher than first. Because of this arrangement, it is impossible to change the direction of operation without moving the speed controller back to first speed in order to close the shunt circuit that will make it possible to eifect the energizing of one or the other of the two directional contactors.

As a, still further feature of the invention, there is preferably in control relation to the motor circuit an anti-plugging relay that is excited when the motor is started. As a feature of the invention, the movement of the truck, as downhill or through a long coast, will efiect the flow of current through the anti-plugging relay, this current being generated by the motor because of its rotation by the coasting movement of the truck. The magnetic flux developed by this current is opposed to the flux developed by the energizing of the relay from the power source in any of the speed circuits. Therefore, the opposing magnetic fiux will cause the relay to release its armature to open the control circuit.

Preferably, this will be the action in every speed except first speed, the circuit of the coil being always maintained closed through the positioning 3 of the controller in first speed. Through the operation of this portion of my invention it is impossible to plug the motor in high speeds, those skilled in the art appreciating that by the term "plug I mean the reversing of the motor when the truck is moving in one direction so as to use the motor as a brake.

A further feature of the invention resides in the means whereby the speed portion of the con? troller of my invention may not be moved through the several speeds without some pause in each speed. The art contains many patents in which this problem has been attacked and met by some particular design. I have conceived a most simple and effective structure. in which the speed controller is actuated through the intermediary of yielding means rather than directly, and by utilizing means for preventing more than a predetermined rate of movement of the speed controller. This feature is covered in my applicatio" Ser. No. 769,207 filed August 18, 1947.

As a further feature of my invention, the controller is equipped with an index mechanism for maintaining it yieldingly in any speed position, with thefeature that the indexing mechanism is released by the application of the brakes of the 'truck, thereby allowing a return movement of the controller to neutral through spring pressure normally urging the controller towards its neutral position. This feature is also covered in my application Ser. No. 769,207.

Still a further feature of the invention covered in my said application resides in the utilization of positive means for effecting the return of the controller to its neutral position, it being appreciated that these positive means in no way interfere with the movement of the controller to speed positions through the energy storing or spring mechanism just described. Even more particularly, positive means are utilized for limiting the movement of the controller under the influence of the spring or energy storing means.

Still a further feature of my invention resides in the utilization of a directional controller for controlling the energizing of the directional contactors already described, it being a feature of the directional controller that its index mechanlsm for holding it yieldingly in any particular directional position is controlled by a foot treadle of the truck. At this point it will be well to indicate that the directional controller of my invention is particularly adapted for utilization normally with the traction motor, but it may be used to control the usual tilting, lifting, and other motors that are found in a-modern industrial truck. Similarly, other features of the directional controller as well as the speed controller, together with particular features of the entire combination of my invention, may be utilized elsewhere than in the particular combinations herein shown and described. My invention, therefore, should not be limited to use in the preferred manner set forth hereinafter.

A still further feature of my invention resides in the construction of my contactors whereby the armatures thereof are adapted to close electric circuits through pressure applied from the armatures to contact bars. It is a still further feature of the invention that the spring normally urging each contactor armature to open or de-energized position, is adapted to compress a spring between the armature and that contact bar that is maintained. in switch closing position when the contactor ls de-energized. When the contactor is then energized, this spring that has been mainfi 4 tained under compression, is adapted to assist the coil in moving the armature against the full spring pressure and into energized position.

A further feature of the invention resides in the construction of the contactor so that its frame limits the movement of the armature towards the coil in a manner to maintain an air space between the armature and coil. The maintenance'of the air space in this manner makes it possible to obtain a swift movement of the armature when the coil is de-energized, there being no continuous magnetic path as in the case where the armature may move directly into contact with the coil.

I have thus outlined rather broadly the more important features of my invention, in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that my contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of my invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception on which my disclosure is based may readily be utilized by those skilled in the art as a basis for the designing of other structures for carrying out the several purposes of my invention. It is important therefore that the claims to be granted me shall be of suflicient breadth to prevent the appropriation of my invention by those skilled in the art.

. Referring now to the drawings, Fig. 1 is a front view looking toward the operator's platform of a modern industrial truck. Fig. 2 is a side view of the structure of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a view of the controller of the truck shown in Fig. 1 with the cover plate removed from the speed portion thereof and with the directional portion of the 8 are sections taken respectively along lines 6-6,

|-'|, and 8-8 of Fig. 3. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the index release mountedabout a sleeve actuated by the brake treadle.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a switch operating cam rotatable with the index release. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of what I term the primary actuator. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the controller cam carrier. Fig. 13 is a perspec tive view of the controller cams adapted to be carried by the carrier. Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig. "l, but showing the parts in a different operating position. Fig. 15 is a diagram of the electric circuit of my, invention. Fig. 16 is a side view and partial section of one of the contactors used as part of my invention. Fig. 17 is a section taken along line II-l'l of Fig. 16. Fig. 18 is a view looking at the mechanism of Fig. 16 in the direction of the arrow ll! of Fig. 16.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, and especially Figs. 1 and 2, the truck to which my invention is applied is designated by the letter 'I' and is equipped with the usual operators platform P. It will be well to add at this point that while the invention is illustrated as embodied in a truck of the front end type, it is equally useful in other types of truck, all as those skilled in the art will appreciate. The steering of the truck is accomplished by a steering lever S although a steering wheel may be used. Pivoted to the truck are a pair of treadles, one being marked B because it is the brake treadle, while theother is marked with the letter 0 because it is the operators safety treadle.

It will be'noted that the treadle B is pivoted at In and is conected by a rod II to an arm l2 extending from a sleeve I3 on which is secured a second arm l4. Pivoted to the arm I4 is a rod I! that in turn is bifurcated at l6 so that it may be pivoted to the leverl1 best'shown in Fig. 9. The lever I1 is formed with bores I9 and I94 so that the rod I! may, through its bifurcated portion It be pivoted either along the axis of the bore I3 or upon the axis of the bore I90. It will, of course, be appreciated that the treadle B is normally maintained by the spring 20 and rod 20a in its position of Figs. land 2, rod 20a. being suitably pivoted to sleeve I3. The lever I1 is normally held by treadle 13 therefore in a position wherein the parts rotatable therewith are positioned as in Fig. '1. Further explanation of this portion of the invention will be given later.

The foot treadle is pivoted to the truck in somewhat the same manner as is the treadle B and is adapted to actuate a rod 2| that is adapted to extend into the controller casing as shown in Fig. 6 and then toextend from the controller casing into the directional switch casing also shown in Fig. 6. Further reference to the rod 2| will be made hereinafter. At this point, it is merely necessary to know that when the treadle O is in a depressed position, the rod 2| will be in its full upwardposition illustrated'in Fig. 6. When the operator allows treadle O to move upwardly under the influence of spring 2 la, then rod 2| will move downwardly from its position in Fig. 6 for a purpose to'be indicated presently.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. 3 to 13 inclusive, the controller casing is designated by reference letter C and is adapted normally to have its forward end closed as by a cover 22 best shown in Fig. 1. A shaft 23 is adapted to rotate within the casing, being supported at its right end as best illustrated in Fig. by needle bearings 24 extending between the shaft and the casing C. At its left end the shaft 23 is supported through needle bearings 25 relatively to a sleeve 25 best illustrated mm. 9. This sleeve 26 is fixed to the lever I! through the intermediary of a bolt 21 best shown in Fig. 5.

Through suitable means the index release 28 is secured for rotation integrally with sleeve 26, it being understood that, if desired, the index release 28 'could be formed integrally with the sleeve 26. For the purpose of facilitating fabrication the parts have been designed as illustrated in the drawings and as will be described. However, the fabrication may take place in any desired manner, all depending upon the prevailing processes. Secured also to the sleeve 26 for rotation integrally therewith is the switch cam 29. This cam may be secured to the sleeve 26 as by a screw entering the bore 30 of the cam and extending into the threaded bore 3| of the sleeve. To insure its proper assembly, the cam 29 may have a further bore 32 for a bolt 33 that will extend into the threaded bore 34 of the index release 28.

Mounted about the shaft 23 Just to the right of the index release 28 is what I choose to call a primary actuator, designated generally by reference numeral 35. This primary actuator is preferably fabricated of at least two castings maintained assembled by a pair of studs 36 and 31. The primary actuator has formed as an integral part thereof an index plate 38 that is adapted for cooperation with an index roller 39 that is mounted on an index lever 40. The index lever 45 threaded into the casing C, the spring pressing at its other end against a bracket 46 formed integrally with the lever 40, thereby tending to rotate the lever 40 in a counter-clockwise direction in Figs. '7 and 14. A second roller 41 is carried at the left hand end of the lever 40 and is adapted to co-act with the surface 48 of the index release 28 as will later be indicated in more detail.

Rotatable on the shaft 23 just to the right of the primary actuator 35 is the controller cam carrier 49 formed partially as a sleeve 50 and partially as a flange 5|. Extending from the flange 5| is a pin 52 to which is secured one end 53 of a spring 54. The other end of the spring 54 is secured to the stud 31 of the index plate 38 of the primary actuator 35. The controller cam carrier 49 is freely mounted about the shaft 23, but the primary actuator is secured for integral rotation with the shaft 23 through the intermediary of the bolt 55, best shown in Fig. 8, the nut securing the said bolt being designated by numeral 56.

It will now be appreciated that rotary movement of the primary actuator 35 with the shaft 23 in a clockwise direction in Figs. '1, 8, and 14 will effect an elongation of the spring 54, and

the spring 54 will then tend to rotate the con-- troller cam carrier 49 also in a clockwise direction. A shoulder 51 on the primary actuator co-acts with a surface 58 of the flange 5| of the carrier 49 so as to limit the clockwise movement of the carrier to the extent of movement of the primary actuator itself. It will also be appreciated that while clockwise movement will be imparted to the carrier by the actuator through 'the intermediary of the spring 54, the return or also a double length dwell 62a. The three cams 59 are adapted to be secured for rotation integrally with the controller cam carrier 49 and for that purpose a composite bore 63 is formed in the two right hand cams for the passage of a bolt that extends into the threaded bore 64 of the sleeve 50. The extreme left hand controller cam 59 of Fig. 13, as well as the two right cams 59, are secured to the flange 5| of the carrier as by a threaded bolt 65 entering the threaded opening 86 of the said flange 5|. It will be readily appreciated that any means for securing the three cams to the sleeve 50 and carrier 49 will be acceptable.

Mounted between the extreme left cam 59 and the central cam 59 in the space indicated by the reference numeral 61, is a lever 68 best shown in Fig. 6. The lever 58 is adapted to be inserted over the sleeve 50 and is preferably secured by the threaded bolt 35 to the cams 59 and. to the carrier flange 5|. In this way, the lever 68 rotates integrally with the controller cam carrier 49 and the three cams 59.

As best shown in Fig. 6, the lever 63 is bifur- 40 isinturn pivoted at4| on a bracket 42 secured cated at 69 for cooperation with a pin 10 of a 7 piston 'II mounted within the dashpot cylinder I2. It will now be appreciated that the lever 88- will rotate together with the controller cam carrier under the influence of the spring 54 when the primary actuator is rotated clockwise in Fig. 6. The first rotation of the lever 98 will be independent of thepin I and the piston II. Thereafter, however, movement of the lever 99 will move the piston 1| downwardly in the dashpot cylinder I2 so as to be controlled thereby. The flow of air into the cylinder I2 above the piston II is through a control valve 13 and suitable passages I4. By a particular positioning of the control valve 13 the resistance to the movement of the piston II may be regulated, as those skilled in the art will readily understand, so as to control its speed of movement under the stress of the spring 54. In other words, by the adjustment of the control valve 13, the speed of movement of the controller cam carrier and the cams 59 may be predetermined. However, up to first speed, because of the bifurcated end 69 of lever 68, the dashpot exercises no control over the controller speed.

Movement of the piston II upwardly by lever 98 to its neutral position of Fig. 6 is effected by the shoulder 51 of the primary actuator operating against the surface 58 of the flange 5| of the carrier, and is at full speed as the valve mechanism allows for the free escape of air upwardly from the dashpot I2. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the dashpot construction per se may be of any preferred type so long as it allows for the movement of the piston freely in one direction, and against regulated air or liquid flow in a reverse direction. While I have shown the utilization of a piston adapted to pull air into a dashpot for the purpose of regulation, the regulation may be reversed by controlling the outward movement of the air from the dashpot cylinder under the pressure of the piston.

At its extreme right hand end, the shaft 23 has secured thereto through the bolt I5 and nut a, a bracket I6 as best shown in Figs. 3 and 5. To the bracket 16 there is secured a hand lever 11 through the bolts I8 best seen in Fig. 3. It will now be appreciated that upon rotation of the hand lever II the shaft 23 will be rotated and will move therewith the primary actuator 35. The primary actuator will in turn apply tension to the spring 54 and through that tension will rotate the controller cam carrier 49. With the controller cam carrier 49 there will be rotated the three switch cams 59 for controlling a series of switch levers in a manner to be set forth hereinafter.

I provide spring means for yieldingly urging the hand lever TI and the shaft 23 into a predetermined initial and neutral position. These spring means are best disclosed in Figs. 4 and 5. In those figures it will be noted that the bracket I6 has a circular hub I9 that is formed with a series of inwardly projecting slots 80. A coil spring 8| has one end thereof designated by reference numeral 82 fitting into one of the several slots 80. The other end of the spring terminates at 83 and bears against the rounded end of a lever 84 that is in bearing relation at 85 to a surface of the casing C of the controller. The spring is initially wound before being applied as illustrated, so that it tends always to maintain the hand lever 11 and the shaft 23 in their positions illustrated in Figs. 3, 7, and 8. It will be noted in Figs. 7 and 8 that a surface 86 of the primary actuator 3! lies against a limit surface 91 of the casing, thereby limiting the movement of the shaft 23 and the hand lever 'I'I under th influence of the spring 8|.

The index plate 38,,formed as part of the primary actuator 35 is adapted for cooperation with the roller 39 of the spring pressed lever 40 for maintaining the primary actuator yieldingly in any position to which it is moved by the hand lever II. The index release 28, earlier described, is adapted for cooperation with the roller 41 of the lever 40 for moving the index lever 40 from its position of Fig. 14 to its position of Fig. 7, in which position the roller 39 is moved to release the index plate 38 so that the primary-actuator and the shaft 23 may return to their initial position of Figs. 7 and 8. This movement of the index release 28 is imparted, of course, by the brake treadle B through the rods II and I5 and the lever II when the brake treadle is moved to its position of Fig. 1. In other words, whenever the operator removes his foot from the brake treadle B, he releases the index mechanism so that the primary actuator may be returned to its initial or neutral position by spring 8|.

Mounted within the controller casing C are four contact making and breaking switch levers 81, 88, 89, and 90. Since these levers and the contacts associated therewith are duplicates, I shall refer to Figs. 3, 5, and 6 to describe the construction of that one lever that I have designated by reference numeral 98, and shall describe also the particular contact mechanism cooperable with this switch lever. Switch lever 88 is formed of sheet metal bent up as illustrated in the drawings and pivoted at 9| to a bracket 92. Its sheet metal sides are bent and drilled to support a cross shaft 93 on which is carried a roller 94. A spring 95 is mounted so as to press at one end against a shoulder 96 of the bracket 92 and at its other end against a surface 91 of the lever 88 whereby to rotate the lever in a clockwise direction about its pivot 9|.

A spring 98 is carried within the forward boxlike portion formed by the sheet metal body of the lever 08 and presses at its upper end against the surface 99 and at its lower end.

against a contact bar I00 formed with spaced contacts |0I and I02. These spaced contacts IOI, I02 are adapted for cooperation with contacts I03, I04 mounted on an insulation member I05 that is suitably secured within the casing C as best illustrated in Fig. 6. Suitable conductor leads are, of course, adapted to be secured to the contacts I03, I04 at I06 and to be held in position, all as is well illustrated and as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

The particular switch lever 88 seen best in Fig. 6 is adapted, for cooperation with that particular cam 59 of Fig. 13 that is formed with the surface 60 and the short dwell 60a. It will readily be perceived that when the surface 60 is rotated to bring the dwell 60a opposite the roller 94, the spring 95 will function to press the lever 88 so that its contacts I0l, I02 will bridge the stationary contacts I03, I04 to close a circuit. In a similar way, rotation of that cam 59 that is formed with the surface BI and the double dwell 6Ia. will effect rotation of the switch lever 89 so that its contacts I01 and I08 may move into circuit closing position. The double dwell 62a of the controller-cam portion 62 will control the movement of the switch lever so that its contacts I09 and 0 may close a circuit. It is, of course. appreciated that the dwells 80a, 8Ia, and 82a are spaced circumferentially one from the other so that the switch levers 88, 88 and 30 will be moved in predetermined sequence, all as will be emphasized later in this specification.

The switch lever 81, while constructed, mounted, and adapted for control in the same manner as is switch lever 88, is controlled by the long dwell or depressed surface III of thecam II2 formed as a part of the sleeve 29 and rotatable integrally with the index release 28. The relationship of the depressed surface III to the index release 28 is such that when the index release operates roller 41 in Fig. 7 to hold the index roller 33 out of indexing position, then the switch lever 81 is positioned so that its contacts H3, H4 are away from switch closing position. When the brake treadle B is depressed to release the brakes, the consequent rotation of the index release cam 28 will eiIect a rotation of the cam H2 and depressed surface III to the position of Fig. 14. In this position of of the parts the switch lever 81 is allowed to move under spring pressure to circuit closing position as is readily seen. Thus, the switch lever 81 is brought to circuit closing position b the depression of brake treadle B to release the brake while the remaining switch levers 88, 89, and 90 are brought into circuit closing position by the rotation of the hand lever 11 and the shaft 23.

If desired, the hand lever 11 may be dispensed with and the primary actuator 35 rotated through the medium of the brake treadle B and the index release 28. Similarly, the index release 28 and switch cam 29 may be rotated free of brake treadle B by hand lever 11. It will be noted in Fig. 11 that the primary actuator is formed with a laterally extending arm H5 formed with a threaded bore H6. The index release '28, as best seen in Figs. 5, 9 and 14, is formed with a slot In. In Fig. 5 I show in phantom a stud H8 that may be inserted into the bore H6 01' the arm H5, with the head of the stud lying in the slot I I1. In this fashion the index release is secured for rotation integral-- By connecting the bifurcated end I6 of the rod I5 to the v lever I1 through the hole I9 best shown in Fig;

ly with the primary actuator.

9, rotar movement may be imparted to index release 28 and primary actuator 35 by brake treadle B. The first depression of the brake treadle B will now act to release the brake and close a circuit through the first switch lever 81 and its contacts H3, H4. Further movement of the brake treadle B will act through the primary actuator and spring 54' to rotate the controller cam carrier 43 and its three cams 58. This will operate in sequence the three switch levers 88 89. and 90. Of course. return of the brake treadle B to its position of Fig. 1 will effect a movement of the index lever 40 to withdraw the index roller 39 from index plate 38 just as previously described.

In a reverse fashion, the brake treadle could be released from the lever l1 and the hand lever 11 would then rotate the several parts sequentially as required as already set forth.

There is mounted within the casing C an anti-plugging relay designated generally by reference letters AP, the function of which will hereinafter be set forth. It will here be necessary to indicate merely that this anti-plugging relay utilizes a pair of relays I and I2I supported on a bracket I22 suitably secured to the casing C. The armature of this anti-plugging relay is designated by reference numeral I23 and carries contacts I24 and I25 for cooperation respectively with contacts I26 and I21.

As part of my invention I utilize a directional switch that is designated generally by the reference letter D. This directional switch is housed within a casing I28 best illustrated in Figs. 1, 3, and 6. The casing I28 is suitably supported on the casing C of the controller and is formed with an opening I29 for the passage of means secured to the upper end oi the rod 2| extending upwardly from the treadle O. The upper end of the rod 2I carries a length adjusting sleeve I30 that is formed with a pair of pins I3I operating in slots I32 of a pair of spaced index plates I33 that are pivoted on a bolt I34 carried by the casing I28. A leaf spring I35 presses against the casing I28 and is bent so as to apply pressure against a bolt I36 carried between the index plates I33 whereby to urge the index plates in a clockwise direction in Fig. 6 about the bolt I34.

A shaft I31 is supported between the index plates I33 and has mounted thereon a roller I38 that coacts with the index dwell I33 of a switch plate I40. This plate I40 is secured for rotation with a shaft I4I that has pinned thereto at I42 9, hand lever I43. A spring I44 is mounted between the casing D and the switch plate I40 so as to urge the plate normally into its neutral position of Fig. 6.

An insulation member I45 is supported by studs I46 relatively to the casing I28. Looking at Fig. 6, there is supported at the left hand side of the insulation member I45 a pair of yielding contacts I41 that are maintained spring pressed into proper position by springs I48 held under compression by suitable bolts I40. At the right hand side of the insulation member I45 there are a similar pair of contacts I50. For cooperation with either pair of contacts, that is for cooperation with either the contacts I41 or the contacts I50, the disc I 40 has secured thereto opposed contacts I5I. It is obvious that rotation of the hand lever I43 clockwise in Fig. 6 will bring the contacts I5I into bridging relation to contacts I41, while counter-clockwise rotation will bring the contacts I5I into bridging relation to contacts I50.

The strength of the spring I35 is such that when the index plates I33 are in the position of Fig. 6 and the lever I43 is rotated, the roller I38 will hold the switch plate I40 and contacts I5I in either a counter-clockwise or a clockwise rotated position. Upon a downward movement of the rod 21 the index plates I33 will be rotated in a counter-clockwise direction in Fig. 6 to withdraw the roller I38. When the roller I38 is so withdrawn, the switch plate I40 and the hand lever I43 will be released for movement under the influence of spring I44 to the initial, neutral, and central position of Fig. 6. In other words, the index plates I33 under the influence of the spring I35 are adapted to maintain the switch mechanism within casing I28 in any position to which it is moved when the rod 2| is in its position of Fig. 6. However, upon downward movement of the rod 2| and its enlarged end I30, the switch mechanism will be released from roller I38 to move to the open position of Fig. 6 from either a counter-clockwise or clockwise rotated position. Actually, this withdrawal of index roller I38 takes place when the operator steps oil. the treadle O.

The controller mechanism herein described is adapted for cooperation with contactors as has already been outlined. For a description of one of the contactors, reference is now made to Figs. 16, 17, and 18. There it will be noted that each contactor comprises a heavy U frame I55 to which is bolted a coil I56 through the medium of a bolt I51. Sheet metal brackets I58 are secured to the Uframe I55 through bolts I58a, and these brackets are formed with holes I59 whereby the contactor may be bolted in proper operating position on the truck. The armature of each contactor is a simple piece of iron bent in general L shape form as can best be seen from Fig. 16, the armature there being designated by reference numeral I60. A threaded pin I6I is formed with a head I62 whereby it is secured to the U member I55, passing through a bore I63 of this U member I55.

The armature I60 is formed with a cup-shaped depression I64 and a bore I65 through which passes the threaded pin I6I. A spring I66 is positioned about pin I6I so that one end thereof lies within the cup-shaped depression I64 while the outer end thereof is pressed against a disc I61 that is threaded onto the end of the pin I6I. By rotating the disc I61 the initial compression of the spring I66 may be varied, thereby varying the force with which the armature is maintained in its position of Fig. 16, that being the position when the coil I50 is deenergized.

A pair of studs I68 secure to the armature I 60 a hollow box-like member I68 having an integral arm I10 extending laterally therefrom. f

course, suitable insulation means are utilized, as is well shown in the drawings, to insulate the member I 68 and its arm I from the armature I 60. Mounted within the box-like member I 69 is an upper contact bar "I and a lower contact bar I 12, the two bars being maintained separated by a spring I13 and pressed thereby toward the end surfaces IBM and I 69b of the box-like member I68. Cooperating with the contact bar "I are a pair of contacts I14 suitably secured by bolts I and nuts I16 to portions of the brackets I 58 and insulated therefrom. For cooperation with the lower contact bar I12 the brackets I 58 carry contact members I 11 secured relatively thereto in the same manner as are the contacts I 14. Naturally, extending to the contacts I14 and I11 will be suitable leads as those skilled in the art will appreciate, and as will be further indicated hereinafter.

At this point it will be well to emphasize that when the armature I60 is in its position of Fig. 16 because the coil I56 is de-energized, the bar I1I carried by the armature is yieldingly maintained in contact making position relatively to contacts I14. Thus, the spring I66 presses the armature I60 so as to rotate the armature and its box-like member I69 whereby through the spring I13 to apply pressure against contact bar "I. It will be noted in Fig. 16 that when the contact bar "I is in contact making position the spring I 13 is somewhat compressed. This is a very helpful condition because, when the coil I 56 is thereafter energized to rotate the armature I60 to the position indicated by the dot and dash line I60a of Fig. 16, the initial compression of the spring I13 will help to overcome the resistance of spring I66 to this movement of the armature. In other words, when the armature is at its greatest distance from the coil so that the coil is least efficient, the spring I13 helps the coil to do its work.

It will be noted that when the armature is in its dash and dotted line position designated by 12 reference numeral I804: there will be a space between it and the core of the coil I56. Therefore. there will be a break in the magnetic lines of flux so that when the circuit of the coil I58 is broken the spring I66 will be effective to snap the armature back to its position of Fig. 16. This is an important feature and obviates the need for insulation between armature I60 and coil I 66.

When the coil I 58 is energized, the armature I60 will swing downwardly bringing the bar I12 into bridging relation to the contacts I11. The contacts will be maintained in this bridged relation through the medium of the pressure of spring I13 as has already been indicated. With the armature in the downward position for closing a circuit through contacts I11. an auxiliary or control circuit will be closed through a pair of contacts I suitably carried and insulated from the brackets I58. The contacts I80 are bridged by legs I82 of a spring-like brass plate I83 that is secured to the armature I60 by the same studs I68 that hold the box-like member I68 to the armature. Of course, suitable insulation means are provided for insulating the plate I 83 from the armature and the other mechanism associated therewith.

I shall now refer to Fig. 15 for the purpose of describing the complete operation of the mechanism I have set forth in detail above. In Fig. 15 the armature of the traction motor that is controlled by the means set forth is designated by the word "Armature" while the field is designated by the word Field? The resistance for controlling the speed of operation of the motor is noted as "Resistance" in the drawings. Each of the four contactors employed by me, one having been described by me with reference to Figs. 16, 17, and 18, is outlined by dotted lines, and the four contactors are named contactor No. 1, contactor No. 2, etc. It will be noted that two of the contactors are equipped withthe plate I83 having contact legs I82, while two of the contactors do not have such means. It will also be noted that while the extreme left contactor bears the same reference numerals as the contactor described with reference to Figs. 16, 17, and 18, the remaining contactors bear the said reference numerals with the additional letter, a, b," and c." For simplicity, the two bars I H I 12 of each contactor are combined as a single bar I12, since functionally they serve as a single bar for bridging the opposed pairs of contacts. In the claims, the word contactor is used as set forth in this specification; that is, to indicate an electromagnet whose armature carries a switch closing element for bringing into engagement a pair of contacts or for bridging a pair of contacts. By switch, I mean a pair of contact elements adapted to be brought together or bridged for closing a circuit.

With the controller in neutral position and both the hand levers I43 and 11 positioned as in Fig. 3 and the foot treadles positioned as in Fig. 1, the operator steps on the truck platform P and in order to start the truck he will depress the brake treadle B. This depression ofthe brake treadle will effect the rotation of the index release 20 whereby to permit the index lever 40 to move to its position of Fig. 14 under the pressure of spring 44. In this position the index plate. 38 will be maintained yieldingly in any position to which it is moved by the primary actuator 35 of which it is an integral part. The movement of the index release efiects also the movement of the switch cam 29 and its portion II2 so as to bring the dwell or depressed surface III opposite the roller 84 of the switch lever 81. The spring 88 will immediately efi'ect a movement of the lever 81 to close a circuit at H3, H4. At the same time, the operator will depress the treadle O bringing the roller I38 of the index plates I33 (Fig. 6) into indexing relation at I39 relatively to switch plate I48 of the direction controller D.

Thereafter, the operator will rotate the direction controller D so as to bring the contacts I5I into bridging relation relatively to the contacts I41 or the contacts I58. We will first assume that the operator wishes to go in a forward direction and that to do this the contacts I5I must bridge contacts I41. The motor will not as yet start even when all this is accomplished because the circuit of both contactors I58, I58a is broken at the anti-plugging switch designated AP in Fig. 15. In addition, neither of the contactor coils I58, I58a is excited because the control circuits of each of the contactors is open at I88, I82. Actually, it is impossible to excite either of the coils I58 or I58a except through a circuit in shunt relation to the coil AP and control points I82, I88, and I82a, I88a. Closing of this shunt circuit is accomplished by moving the hand lever 11 to a position wherein the dwell 88a is brought opposite the roller 84 of switch lever 88. It will be noted that dwell 88a is very short, while dwell III is really a depressed surface and runs for the entire distance of the cam II2 from the point where the dwell begins. Therefore, while dwell 88a allows switch lever 88 to move to closed position through the rotation of the cams 58 to a predetermined position, dwell III is of such length as to allow switch lever 81 to :4

remain closed in all rotated positions of the surface I I2 beyond the position illustrated in Fig. 14.

With the switch lever 88 in circuit closing position, a circuit will be closed at I8I, I82. Current will now flow as follows: From the power source through conductor 288 to left contact "111, conductor 285, contact I82 and contact IM to the directional switch. There, because the directional switch was closed to bring contacts I5I in bridging relation to contacts I41, current will flow across contacts I41 to contactor coil I58, conductor 28I to point 282 in the antiplugging coil. From that point current will flow through the coils I28 and I2I in parallel, inducing a magnetic flux that will bring the armature I23 downwardly. From coil I2I the current will flow into the conductor 283 and then to the armature. From coil I28 the current will fiow to the conductor 284 and then through the resistance into the armature.

Since contactor coil I58 is now energized, its armature I88 will pivot downwardly so as to bring contacts I12 into bridging relation to stationary contacts I11. A traction circuit will now be closed through the motor bringing the motor into first speed. This traction circuit is as follows: Conductor 288, left contact I11a to contacts I11 bridged by contacts I12 of the armature I88. Then to the left contact I14, through the field to right contact I14a, across contacts I12a of armature I88a to left contact I14a, to conductor 284. Since neither the third or fourth contactor coils I58b or I58c are excited, the cur rent will then go from conductor 284 through all of the resistance and then to conductor 283 and the armature of the motor to the current source. Thus, the circuit of the motor will be established through all of the resistance and the motor will be in first speed.

Simultaneously with the establishment of the motor circuit as above set forth through the energizing of the first contactor coil I88 for one direction, or the energizing of the second contactor coil IBM for the reverse direction, there will be energized a circuit in by-pass relation to the switch contacts I", I82 of switch lever 88. It will be recalled that switch lever 88 is moved to circuit closing position when the speed operating lever 11 is rotated to move that cam 58 that has the dwell 88a. The by-pass circuit referred to is as follows: From conductor 288 to the left contact I11a, conductor 288, across contacts II8, I I4 of switch lever 81 and into the anti-plugging coil. It will be recalled that the coils I28 and I2I were first energized by the movement of switch lever 88 to bring contacts I8I, I82 into switch closing position and that the armature I 23 of the anti-plugging coil was therefore moved downward with its contacts I24 positioned in bridging relation to contacts I28, I21. The circuit will therefore continue across contacts I28, I21 and conductor 288 to contacts I88 and across those contacts because the armature I88 has been moved downwardly to bring contacts I82 into bridging relation to the contacts I88.

The circuit will then continue through conductor 281 and across the left contacts I41 in the directional switch. From there the circuit will continue through conductor 288 to coil I 58, conductor 28I into coils I28, I2I, energizing those coils so that their magnetic pull will be in the same direction as when they were first energized through switch lever 88. The circuit will then continue through coil I2I into conductor 283 and the armature. 'The circuit through coil I28 will continue into conductor 284 and thence through the resistance into the armature. It is thus seen that once the first speed circuit has been closed through the prerequisite movement of the lever 88 as earlier described, the consequent movement of one of the contactor relays I58, I58a toclose a circuit across contacts I88 or I88a through the downward movement of the armatures of either of coils I58, I58a, will eflect the maintenance of a closed circuit through either of the said coils I58, I58a independent of the switch lever 88.

Through this relationship of the parts the further rotation of the cam carrier may open the circuit closed by the switch lever 88 without disturbing the circuit established through the contactor coil I58 or the contactor coil I58a. Thus, if the speed handle 11 is rotated now so as to bring the short dwell 88a of switch cam 88 away from the roller 84 of switch lever 88, the circuit will be opened at I8I, I82, but the circuit of the coil I58 will remain closed and the truck will continue to move forward. This rotation of cams 59 will bring dwell 8Ia into position to allow movement of switch lever 89 to close a circuit across contacts I81, I88, while dwell III will allow the lever 81 to remain in circuit closing position. 'ihis will effect the energizing of the coil I58b of contactor No. 3 and the downward movement of the armature I881) to close a circuit across contacts I11b. A circuit will now be closed through the field of the motor as earlier described into conductor 284. However, the circuit will now not extend through the entire resistance but instead will go from conductor 284 into conductor 289 and across the bridged contacts I140. Thence the circuit will extend to bridged contacts I11b bridged by the downward movement of the armature I88b. From this point the circuit will run to point 2I8 of the resistance and through the I 15 remainder of the resistance into conductor 208 and through the armature. The circuit now established will be the second speed circuit.

A still further rotation of the speed lever 11 will bring the dwell 62a of the third cam 59 into position to release switch lever 80 for bridging a circuit at I09, IIO. However, the dwell He is of sufiicient length so that the switch lever 89 will remain in that position just described above in which contacts I01, I08 are in bridging position. Lever 81 remains, of course, in circuit closing position. Therefore, coils I56?) and I56c will both be energized and contacts H11) and I110 will be bridged. The circuit will now extend from the field into the conductor 204, through the resistance to point 2I0 and then to bridged contacts I11?) and bridged contacts I11c to conductor 203 and the armature. The circuit thus established is through but a small portion of the resistance and is what I term the third speed circuit.

If the speed lever is now rotated still further, the dwell 6 I a will move beyond the roller of switch lever 89 so as to open the contacts at I01, I08. However, a circuit will remain established at I09, IIO because of the continued positioning of the switch lever 90 in bridging relation, the dwell 62a being sufiiciently long for that purpose. The circuit now established will be through the field into conductor 204 and thence across bridged contacts I14b, bridged contacts I11c and into conductor 203 and the armature. All of the resistance will now be shunted so that a full speed circuit is now established as will be readily appreciated. Those skilled in the art will understand now just how it is possible by the novel contribution of my invention to obtain a four speed end directional control of my motor with the minimum number of contactors I utilize.

With either a second, third, or fourth speed circuit established, the switch lever 88 will be positioned so that its contacts IOI, I02 are not in circuit closing position. Now, bearing this point in mind, it is important to see what happens ii the operator moves his directional switch to reverse the direction of movement of the truck while the truck is running in second, third, or fourth speed. Immediately upon an opening of the circuit at contacts I41 by the movement of the contacts Il, the contactor coil I56 will be de-energized and the circuit will be opened at contacts I80 through the upward movement of the armature carrying the contacts I82. When the contacts I5I then move into bridging relation to contacts I50 for a reverse direction operation the contacts I80a are unbridged. Simultaneously, the anti-plugging coils I 20, I2I have become unexcited and the armature I23 has moved to the position of Fig. 15 so that the contacts I24 are no longer in circuit closing position. Therefore, it is impossible to close the circuit of coil I56a to reverse the direction of movement of the truck.

Only by returning the speed lever 11 to first speed position, in which position switch lever 88 closes a circuit at IOI, I02, can a closing of the motor circuit be effected for reversing its directional operation. Thus, with a circuit closed at IOI, I02, the anti-plugging coils I20, I2I will be again energized so as to close the circuit through contacts I26, I21. The energizing of the coil I56a will then effect a bridging of the contacts I80a so that the circuit of contactor I56a remains closed even ,after switch lever 88 is thereafter moved away from bridging position.

It is important to consider that no directional circuit can be closed through the motorby the simultaneous actuation of contactors I56, I56a. Therefore, contact I56 and I560, may be said to be inherently interlocked. This is extremely important because it does away with the necessity for providing either mechanical or electrical interlocking means between the contactor coils. The circuit established through the field when contactor I56 is energized has already been indicated as from conductor 200 through bridged contacts I11, the field, and then through bridged contacts I141; to conductor 204. With contactor I56a excited, the directional circuit will be through conductor 200 across bridged contacts "142 through the field in a reverse direction ,then bridged contacts I14 to the left contact H441 and toward the resistance. Thus, for drive in one direction, the circuit is closed through the contacts bridged by the energizing of one contactor coil and through the contacts bridged when the other coil remains de-energized. For reverse directional operation the opposite is true. Thus, one coil must always be energized and the other coil de-energized.

It will be recalled that the magnetic flux in the coils I20, I2I is downwardly in Fig. 15 when those coils are energized by the controller operation. Therefore, armature I 23 is brought downwardly to place contacts I 24 in bridging relation to contacts I26, I 21. It is important to consider this relationship of the parts because this relationship is utilized to prevent the operator reversing the motor to brake the truck. For preventing this particular abuse of the truck, I utilize also the arrangement of coil I2I in a position to receive any current generated by the armature 0f the motor when coasting this generation of current being in a direction upwardly from contact point 203a in Fig. 15 when the motor is generating current through running downhill.

Let us now consider that the motor is running downhill and the current is being generated as indicated. If the slope is sufficiently long, the operator will have an opportunity to move into first speed and then into second, third, and fourth speeds. However, the current being generated by the motor will traverse the coil I2I in a direction so that its magnetic flux will be opposite the direction in which the current and magnetic fiux is induced in coil I20. Thus, there will be insuflicient magnetic pull to maintain armature I23 so that its contacts I24 bridge contacts I26, I21. Therefore, as soon as the operator reaches second speed position or higher, with the contacts IOI, I02 out of bridging position, the circuit opening movement of the armature I23 will break the circuit of that contactor I56, I56a that happens to be energized. This will immediately open the motor circuit as has already been indicated. In first speed position the motor may be used as a brake because the circuit of coil I 20 and the circuit of either of the contactors I56, I56a is established through contacts IOI, I02 rather than through the contacts I24 of the armature I23. However, the plugging of the motor, as the industry terms the utilization of the motor as a brake, will not be harmful in the first speed position.

I believe that the operation of my invention and the mechanism by me described will now be clear to those skilled in the art.

I claim:

1. Means for controlling the direction selecting 1| circuit of an electric motor comprising two contactors, a pair of switches associated with each contactor, wiring for said direction selecting circuit including said switches, each of said contactors maintaining one of its switches closed when energized, and its other switch closed when not energized, a part of the wiring of the said circuit formed so that electricity must flow through a switch closed by an unenergized contactor and a switch closed by an energized contactor in order to close said direction selecting circuit for either directional operation of said motor.

2. Means for controlling the direction selecting circuit of an electric motor comprising a pair of contactors, a pa r of switches associated with each contactor, wiring for said direction selecting circuit including said switches, each of said contactors maintaining one 01 its switches closed when energized, and its other switch closed when not energized, a part of the wiring of the said circuit formed so that electricity must flow through a switch closed by an unenergized contactor and a switch closed by an energized contactor in order to close said circuit for either directional operation of said motor, a direction selecting switch for eilecting the energizing of one or the other of said contactors, a speed selecting switch, wiring for said direction selecting switch including in series therewith a pair oi parallel switches, one of which is closed by each of said contactors when energized, and a circuit in by-pass relation to said parallel switches and in series with said direction selecting switch closed by said speed switch.

3. Means for controlling the circuit of an elec-- tric traction motor of a truck comprising an anti-plugging relay having an armature. a spr n pressing said armature to open pos tion. a control circuit for the circuit of said traction motor, means whereby said control circuit is maintained closed when said armature is pulled by said relay against said sprin pressure through the energizing of said relav by electric ty traversing said relay in a predetermined direction, means whereby said anti-plugging relay is excited incidental to the closing of the circuit of said motor, means whereby said relay receives electricity from sa d motor when said motor is acting as a generator through the downhill coastin of said truck. and with said generated electricity traversing said relay in a direction opposed to the d rection of the flow of electricity in said relav through the conditioning of the traction motor circuit to drive the truck in a reverse direction, whereby the magnetic pull of said anti-plugging relay is diminished and the said armature moves under the influence of said spring to open said control circuit, and means for closing the said motor circuit independently of said armature controlled circuit.

4. Means for controlling the circuit of an electric motor comprising a plurality of contactors, a traction resistance in said circu t, a. plurality of switches in said circuit associated with said contactors and the closing and openin of which in predetermined combinations controls the amount of said traction resistance in said motor circuit, means whereby said contactors open and close said switches, certain of said means actuated by at least certain oi said contactors maintaining certain of said switches closed when energized. and others of said switches closed when not energized, control circuits for said contactors, a movable control member for closing and opening said control circuits, and means whereby continuous movement 01' said control member in one direction effects the sequential closing and opening of cuit for said contactor, a direction selecting switch I for closing said electric circuit through said contactor tor energizing the said contactor, a-con trol circuit in series with said contactor electric circuit, means whereby said control circuit is closed by said contactor when said contactor is energized, a speed selecting switch, a shunt circuit also in series with said contactor electric circuit and in by-pass reation to said control circuit, and means whereby said shunt circuit is closed by said speed switch for closing said electric circuit through said contactor when said control circuit is open.

6. Means for controlling the direction selecting circuit of an electric motor comprising a pair of contactors, a pair of switches associated with each contactor, means whereby each of said contactors maintains one of its switches closed when energized, and its other switch closed when not energized, wiring for the said circuit formed so.that electricity must flow through a switch closed by an unenergized contactor and a switch closed by an energized contactor, in order to close said circuit for either directional operation of said motor, a direction selecting switch, means whereby said directional switch energizes one or the other 01 said contactors, a speed selecting switch,

a pair of parallel switches in series with said direction selecting switch, means whereby one of said parallel switches is closed by each of said contactors when said contactors are energized, a circuit in by-pass relation to said parallel switches, means whereby said last circuit is closed by sa d speed selecting switch whereby to permit initial energizing of a contactor by said direction selecting switch, the movement oi said speed selecting switch to open position opening said last circuit so that the later de-energizing of either of said contactors and the consequent opening of one of said parallel switches requires the return of said speed selecting switch to closing position as a prerequisite to the closing of the circuit of said contactor.

7. Means for controlling the circuit of an electric motor comprising a contactor, wiring for said motor circuit, a switch wired into said motor cirsuit and closed by said contactor when said contactor is energized, a wired circuit for said contactor, a direction selecting switch for closing said electric circuit through said contactor 1'01" energizing the said contactor, said electric circuit through said contactor having in series therewith a control circuit, means whereby said control circuit is closed by said contactor when said contactor is energized, a speed selecting switch, and a shunt circuit in by-pass relation to said control circuit and also in series with said circuit through said contactor, means whereby said shunt circuit is closed by said speed selecting switch for closing said electric circuit through said contactor when said control circuit is open, the movement of said speed selecting switch to open position opening said shunt circuit so that the later de-energizing of said contactor requires closed at one point when said armature is pulled,

by said relay to one position through the energizing of said relay by electricity traversing said relay in a predetermined direction and is opened when said armature moves in a reverse direction to an opposed position, means whereby said anti-plugging relay is excited incidental to the closing of the circuit of said motor, means whereby said relay receives electricity from said motor when said motor is acting as a generator through the downhill coasting travel of said truck, and with said generated electricty traversing said relay in a direction opposed to the direction of the flow of electricity in said relay through the conditionin of the traction motor circuit to drive the truck in a reverse direction, whereby the magnetic pull of said anti-plugging relay is diminished and the said armature moves to open said control circuit, and means for closing the said motor circuit independently of said armature controlled circuit.

9. Means for controlling the circuit of an electric traction motorof a truck comprising a contactor, a wired circuit for said contactor, a direction selecting switch for closing the circuit of said contactor at one point, an anti-plugging relay having an armature, a switch in the wired circuit of said contactor, means whereby said switch is maintained closed when said armature is pulled to a predetermined position through the energizing of said anti-plugging relay by electricity traversing said relay in a predetermined direction and is opened when said' armature moves from said predetermined position upon the deenergizing of solid anti-plugging relay. means whereby said anti-plugging relay is so energized incidental to the operation or said direction selecting switch for conditioning the contactor circuit for the driving of said truck in one direction by said motor, means whereby said antiplugging relay receives electricity from said motor when said motor is acting as a generator through the downhilhcoasting of said truck, the

said current then traversing said relay in a direc- REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

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